EJ7 Engine Coolant Flush

[HeX]

What is the proper step-by-step method to flushing all engine coolant and refilling it? I've read through a few threads but they're old and vary a bit so I'd like to verify the most effective process, including the necessary amount of antifreeze needed. Perhaps include how often the thermostat & hoses should be changed and perhaps any other related parts.

From 2009... http://www.clubcivic.com/board/showthread.php?t=166242

From 2004... http://www.clubcivic.com/board/showthread.php?t=17316

 

[Trekk]

Hoses about. 60k miles. If they are swollen, or hard they need to be changed.
The flush it's self is best done with the stat removed, drain out as much coolant as you can, refill the system with distilled water then run the car with the heater on max settings. Drain and refill again with distilled water till it's clear, then put a new stat back in it, drain the system and add coolant. 50/50 is the most common mix, but that really depends on where you live. If you live in a frozen hell 50/50 might not cut it.
Don't forget to get a new radiator cap.

 

[HeX]

How much coolant would I need to flush both the radiator & engine block? 2 or 3 bottles? I know one bottle will suffice for the radiator alone.

 

[Trekk]

Flush everything with distilled water, you can get it at your local food stores for like $1.00 or less a gallon, I normally buy a few. Then.... Depending on how anal you are. You can just drain out as much of the water as you can and refill with 50/50 which tbh I don't know how much it would take. Or buy 100% antifreeze which is normally a better buy, then mix it yourself. One bottle of 100% becomes 2 gallons which should be plenty. Again if you are super picky or live in an area with extreme cold you can purchase antifreeze testers. After the car has been run and purged with the new coolant you can test a sample to see what your mix ratio is.

Normally 50/50 is the best all around. If you are in the desert sometimes more water can help on 100+ deg days. However the mix doesn't need to be spot on unless you are subject to large temp changes.